Two Mater Dei students Learn leadership skills in Washington, D.C.

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
October 21, 2004

Two students from Mater Dei School Nativity Center in Sioux City recently spent a week in the nation's capital at a leadership forum.

Kelly Daniels and Katie Haupt are sixth grade students at Mater Dei and were given the opportunity to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

Daniels chose to go to Washington, D.C. because she felt that "it seemed to be an excellent opportunity. I was especially anxious to visit our nation's capital. It was a substantial experience."

"I decided to go on the trip because I wanted to meet new people, learn how to become a better leader and to see new things," said Haupt.

While in Washington, D.C. the two students, along with those attending the leadership forum, were able to see several monuments and memorials.

"I was privileged to go inside our capital building, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Museum and a lot of other important buildings," said Daniels. "I toured a lot of historical sites such as Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Arlington Cemetery."

Haupt noted that she liked visiting the different museums and historical sites especially the spy museum, the cathedral and the Natural History Museum. A highlight for her at the Natural History Museum was the hope diamond.

Along with visiting a number of historical places, the students learned about United States history and how to better themselves as young leaders.

"The leadership forum was based on teaching students to be good citizens and to participate in governmental activities," said Daniels. "I learned about the Civil War, the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, World War I and World War II. In our leadership groups, we discussed Lincoln's and Eisenhower's role in our country."

The two students were able to experience many different things while in Washington, D.C. According to Daniels, her experience has empowered her to learn more about politics.

"I learned how to work well with others and things about history," said Haupt. "I will use the information I learned by explaining what we did while we were there to other people along with how to be a better leader."

Daniels included that she would highly recommend this experience to anyone her age interested in leadership and politics.

The two students are now back at school and using the knowledge they received during their experience in Washington, D.C.